2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV presented a blend of new and old elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing its platform with the revamped C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new versions expected for the 2024 model year. Despite the GLC 300 being an all-new car, the differences were subtle, with the most noticeable change being the new, narrower taillights. The design retained its classy and substantive styling, which had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. The interior received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, offering a modern and high-tech feel. The GLC Coupe models maintained their exterior similarity, with a coupe-like roofline setting them apart. Overall, the GLC continued to exude traditional luxury, focusing on elegance over sportiness and technology.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 drew styling connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, particularly above the belt-line. The split-bar headlights and strong chrome line visually linked the GV70 to its sedan counterpart, suggesting a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility. The GV70's cabin was impressive, using top-notch materials and boasting excellent fit and finish. The interior design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The GV70 was available in five trims in Canada, with two powertrains: the 2.5T and 3.5T. The Electrified GV70 was offered as a separate model, showcasing luxury credentials with features like cream-coloured seats and a high-contrast design. The GV70 artfully blended comfort and sharp handling, providing a refined driving experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC was limited to the GLC 300 trim level, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive as standard in Canada. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal effort was soft, but effective, and the suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with its older engine, offering similar performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, providing a sportier option.

The Genesis GV70 2.5T was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T featured a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. The GV70 offered a refined driving experience, blending comfort and sharp handling. The Electrified GV70 used a 77.4-kWh battery, powering two electric motors for a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It had a range of 383 kilometres and featured DC fast charging.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and firm cushioning. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, with real leather available for smoother surfaces. The GLC provided adequate storage space, with a large centre console bin, cupholders, and well-sized door pockets. The rear seats offered sufficient space for average adults, with limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC had a cargo capacity of 620 litres, while the GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced it to 500 litres.

The Genesis GV70 provided 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with the seats in use. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and decently large cupholders in the centre console. The front seats were easy to adjust for comfort, but the rear seats had tighter legroom, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its placement lower on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen setup, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also provided a rotary dial for scrolling and selecting, though it was located near the vehicle's rotary shifter, which could cause confusion. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system, with additional features like ambient lighting and a Lexicon 18-speaker audio system available.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system.

The Genesis GV70 offered a full suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, its highest honour.